Fetal Development Questions

Fetal Development Questions Related

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A patient at 13 weeks gestation asks the nurse how her baby is nourished during pregnancy. Which information does the nurse use to explain the process to the mother?

  • A. Fetal waste products and CO2 pass through the placenta to the mother.
  • B. The placenta is a special organ developed to create nutrients and oxygen.
  • C. The mother’s blood and fetus’s blood mix for an exchange of nutrients.
  • D. Glucose, amino acids, and oxygen pass through the placenta from mother to baby.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice D being correct:
1. Glucose, amino acids, and oxygen are essential nutrients for fetal growth.
2. These nutrients pass through the placenta from the mother's blood to the baby's blood.
3. This exchange occurs via diffusion and active transport processes.
4. The placenta acts as a barrier, filtering out harmful substances like waste products and CO2.
5. This process ensures the baby receives necessary nutrients for development.

Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
A: Fetal waste products and CO2 pass from the baby to the mother, not the other way around.
B: The placenta facilitates nutrient and oxygen exchange but does not create them.
C: The mother's and baby's blood do not mix; exchange of nutrients occurs through the placental barrier.

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The nurse is assessing a newborn immediately after birth. After assigning the first Apgar score
of 9, the nurse notes two vessels in the umbilical cord. What is the nurse’s next action?

  • A. Assess for other abnormalities of the infant.
  • B. Note the assessment finding in the infant’s chart.
  • C. Notify the health care provider of the assessment finding.
  • D. Call for the neonatal resuscitation team to attend the infant immediately.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The nurse should assess for other abnormalities of the infant because the presence of two vessels in the umbilical cord (a condition known as a two-vessel cord) may be associated with other congenital anomalies. By assessing for other abnormalities, the nurse can identify any potential issues that may require immediate intervention or further evaluation. This proactive approach ensures the newborn's well-being and allows for timely management of any additional concerns.

Summary of other choices:
B: Noting the finding in the chart is important but does not address the immediate need to assess for other abnormalities.
C: Notifying the health care provider is important, but assessing for other abnormalities should be the nurse's initial priority.
D: Calling for the neonatal resuscitation team is not necessary based solely on the presence of a two-vessel cord; further assessment is needed before determining the need for resuscitation.

Fetal circulation includes 3 shunts. Match each shunt to its physiologic action. Ductus venosus

  • A. Connects the pulmonary artery and the aorta, bypassing the lungs.
  • B. Connects the right and left atria.
  • C. Connects the right and left ventricles.
  • D. Allows the umbilical vein to bypass the liver to flow into the inferior vena cava.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Ductus venosus allows the umbilical vein to bypass the liver.

The nurse is counseling a couple who just learned their 16-week fetus tested positive for a serious genetic disorder. Which action by the nurse is inappropriate upon learning that the couple plan to continue the pregnancy?

  • A. Determine whether termination is still a consideration.
  • B. Explain they will experience grief, which is normal.
  • C. Provide additional information about the disorder.
  • D. Refer them to a disorder-specific support group.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it respects the couple's decision-making autonomy. The nurse should support their choice to continue the pregnancy without suggesting termination. Providing information, emotional support, and connecting them with a support group are appropriate actions. It is crucial to respect the couple's decision and provide compassionate care regardless of their choice. The other choices are incorrect because they may undermine the couple's autonomy and may not be aligned with their wishes.

What protects the blood vessels in a healthy umbilical cord?

  • A. None
  • B. Wharton's jelly.
  • C. None
  • D. None
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Wharton's jelly provides structural support and protection.

As relates to the structure and function of the placenta, the maternity nurse should be aware that:

  • A. As the placenta widens, it gradually thins to allow easier passage of air and nutrients.
  • B. As one of its early functions, the placenta acts as an endocrine gland.
  • C. The placenta is able to keep out most potentially toxic substances such as cigarette smoke to which the mother is exposed.
  • D. Optimal blood circulation is achieved through the placenta when the woman is lying on her back or standing.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The placenta produces hormones necessary to maintain the pregnancy.

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